us·age 
/ˈju:sɪʤ/ noun
/ˈju:sɪʤ/ noun 1 [noncount] a : the act of using something
▪ Seat belt usage in the state is now mandatory. ▪ Usage [=use] of this exit is prohibited. ▪ drug usage among college students
b : the way that something is used
▪ Restaurant dishes must be able to withstand rough usage.
c : the amount of something that is used
▪ efforts to reduce water/energy usage
d : how often something is used
▪ increasing usage of the nation's highways 2 : the way that words and phrases are used in a language [noncount] ▪ This word occurs in casual/common/popular usage. ▪ differences between British and American usage ▪ educated/formal usage ▪ modern/current usage ▪ a usage manual/guide/dictionary [count] ▪ I came across an uncommon usage I'd like to discuss with you.
▪ Seat belt usage in the state is now mandatory. ▪ Usage [=use] of this exit is prohibited. ▪ drug usage among college students
b : the way that something is used
▪ Restaurant dishes must be able to withstand rough usage.
c : the amount of something that is used
▪ efforts to reduce water/energy usage
d : how often something is used
▪ increasing usage of the nation's highways
